By a 61 - 23 percent margin, New York City voters oppose a move by black politicians to
prevent a white candidate from winning a Congressional race in a Brooklyn district that has
been represented by black members of Congress since 1968, according to a Quinnipiac
University poll released today. White voters oppose this move 68 - 16 percent while black
voters oppose it 53 - 31 percent and Hispanic voters oppose it 54 - 28 percent.

By an even larger 77 - 12 percent margin, voters would oppose a group of white
politicians trying to prevent a black candidate from winning in a historically white legislative
district. There is little difference among white, black or Hispanic voters, the independent
Quinnipiac (KWIN-uh-pe-ack) University poll finds.

When asked if they prefer having a candidate of their own race, New York City voters
say no 54 - 19 percent. White voters say no 59 - 10 percent, while black voters say no 45 - 30
percent and Hispanic voters say no 56 - 25 percent.

"Is it okay for black politicians to oppose a candidate because he's white? Both black
and white voters say no. Is it okay for white politicians to oppose a candidate because he's
black? Another solid no," said Maurice Carroll, director of the Quinnipiac University Polling
Institute.

"Voters, whites more than blacks, say they personally don't mind if their elected
leaders look different."

Black and Hispanic New York City voters are much more likely than white voters to
stress the importance of having a candidate's race match the racial makeup of the election
district he or she would represent. When asked how important it is to have a candidate's race
match the racial makeup of the district:

"Our kids are too fat, New Yorkers think. So they'd ban the sale of soda and junk food
in public schools," Carroll said.

"How about discouraging soda and junk food sales in stores near schools? Even in a
city that usually applauds Government as Mommy, that idea gets a big negative."

From July 5 - 10, Quinnipiac University surveyed 1,041 New York City registered
voters, with a margin of error of +/- 3 percentage points.

The Quinnipiac University Poll, directed by Douglas Schwartz, Ph.D., conducts public
opinion surveys in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Florida and nationwide
as a public service and for research.

For additional data -- www.quinnipiac.edu or call (203) 582-5201

15. A group of black politicians is seeking to prevent a white candidate from
winning a Congressional seat in a mostly black Brooklyn district. How much
have you heard or read about this? A lot, some, only a little or nothing at all?

16. The black politicians say that this district is mostly black, has been
represented by a black member of congress since 1968, and should therefore
continue to be represented by a black member of congress. Do you support
or oppose the black politicians seeking to prevent a white candidate from
winning this Congressional seat?

17. Would you support or oppose a group of white politicians trying to prevent
the election of a black candidate in a legislative district which is mostly white
and has previously been represented by white members of congress?

18. How important do you think it is that a candidate's race match the racial
makeup of the legislative district he or she represents - Very important,
somewhat important, not too important, or not important at all?

24. Thinking about the problem of obesity, that is people being seriously
overweight, how serious is the problem of obesity among children and teens
in New York City today? Very serious, somewhat serious, or not serious?